With an axe slung across his shoulder, a bow shining like a cluster of lightning in his grasp, and a fierce arrow ready in his hand, Bhārgava Rāma—Jāmadagnya—appeared before all, resembling none other than Śiva himself in the moment he destroyed Tripura. His presence blazed with the intensity of fire, and the assembled sages, led by the venerable Vasiṣṭha, who were devoted to sacred recitation and sacrifice, gazed upon him in awe. The gathering of ascetics began to murmur among themselves, their voices tinged with concern: “Will he, inflamed by anger over his father’s death, once again destroy the warrior class?” Another sage replied, reassuring his companions, “He has already vented his wrath upon the warriors in the past; his anger and fever have subsided. He does not intend to destroy the warriors again.” Having spoken thus and bearing offerings in their hands, the sages approached Bhārgava, whose appearance inspired both fear and reverence. With gentle words, they called out, “Rāma, Rāma!” Honored by the respect of these sages, the powerful Bhārgava Rāma, son of Jamadagni, turned to address Rāma, son of Daśaratha. Now begins the seventy-fifth chapter of this tale. Bhārgava spoke: “O Rāma, son of Daśaratha, famed for your valor, your extraordinary prowess is renowned throughout the land. I have heard in detail of your wondrous feat—how you broke the great bow. That marvelous and inconceivable act drew my attention, and so I have come here, bearing another auspicious bow. Here, before you, is the formidable and mighty bow of Jāmadagnya. String it with an arrow and show your strength. When I have seen you string even this bow, I shall grant you a duel, for I wish to test your celebrated valor.” Hearing these words, King Daśaratha’s heart sank. With his face downcast and his hands joined in supplication, he spoke with humility: “You, who have set aside your wrath against the warrior class and become a great ascetic among Brāhmaṇas, ought to grant safety to my young sons. Born in the noble Bhārgava lineage, devoted to study and vows, you pledged before Indra and cast aside your weapons. Having embraced righteousness, you gave the earth to Kaśyapa and retired to dwell upon Mount Mahendra. O great sage, if you have come for the destruction of us all, know that if Rāma alone is slain, none of us could bear to live.” But Jāmadagnya, unmoved by Daśaratha’s plea, turned his attention solely to Rāma. He said, “Here are two excellent, divine bows, honored by all the worlds—strong, powerful, and skillfully crafted by Viśvakarman. One was given by the gods to Tryambaka, Śiva, for battle; it is the very bow you broke, O descendant of Kakutstha, the bow with which Śiva destroyed Tripura. The second, unconquerable bow was given to Viṣṇu by the greatest of the gods; this is the Vaiṣṇava bow, O Rāma, conqueror of enemy cities. O Kakutstha, this bow is equal in power to the Rudra bow. “In ancient times, all the gods questioned the Grandfather, Brahmā, to discern the relative strength of Śiva and Viṣṇu. Understanding the gods’ intent, Brahmā sowed enmity between Śiva and Viṣṇu, the foremost of the truthful. A great and fearsome battle ensued. In that conflict, each sought victory over the other, and the Śiva bow, of terrifying might, was drawn forth. Mahādeva, the three-eyed one, was halted by a mighty roar, and the gods, sages, and celestial beings assembled in awe. The two supreme deities were entreated for peace, and they departed, with all witnessing how Viṣṇu’s prowess had strained even the bow of Śiva. The assembled gods and sages declared Viṣṇu to be superior, but Rudra, illustrious and powerful, became enraged among the Videhas. He gave the bow, with its arrows, to King Devarāta, the royal sage. This bow of Viṣṇu, O Rāma, is the conqueror of enemy cities. “Viṣṇu entrusted the excellent bow to Ṛcīka Bhārgava, who then gave it to his son—unmatched in deeds. My father, Jamadagni, received the divine bow when he laid down his weapons and embraced asceticism. But Arjuna, acting with misguided intent, caused my father’s death. Hearing of this cruel and improper act, I, in my anger, destroyed the warrior class again and again. Having conquered the entire earth, I gave it as a sacrificial gift to the great-souled Kaśyapa, as a reward for virtuous deeds. Thereafter, I dwelt at Mahendra, empowered by asceticism. Yet, upon hearing of the breaking of the bow, I came here swiftly. “Thus, O Rāma, this great bow of Viṣṇu has come down to me from father and grandfather. Honoring the warrior’s duty, take up this excellent bow. Fit the conquering arrow to the best of bows. If you are able, O descendant of Kakutstha, then I will grant you a duel.” Let the seventy-sixth chapter be heard. Rāma, son of Daśaratha, having listened to Jāmadagnya’s words, turned first to his father and then to Bhārgava, speaking with respect: “O Bhārgava, I have heard of your mighty deeds and honor you, O Brahman, for you have fulfilled your father’s debt. Yet you seem to regard me as powerless, lacking valor and unable to uphold the warrior’s duty. Behold my prowess today.” Having spoken thus, Rāghava, his anger kindled, swiftly took up the mighty weapon of Bhārgava and the arrow from his hand, ready to demonstrate his valor.